Russia's state-run "Russian House" cultural center in Chișinău ceased operations on 4 July after Moldova terminated the bilateral agreement that allowed it to operate, according to statements from the center and the Russian Embassy, Newsmaker reports.
The closure is the latest step in Moldova's gradual move away from Russia's political and institutional influence since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The pro-European government has accelerated efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union, reduce dependence on Moscow, and curb Russian influence operations, citing repeated security threats and interference in the country's internal affairs.
Russian Embassy vows to continue “cultural” outreach
In a statement, the Russian Center for Science and Culture, commonly known as the Russian House, said it was closing "due to the decision of the Moldovan government." The center said some of its functions would be transferred to the Russian Embassy's cultural department, according to Newsmaker.
The Russian Embassy in Moldova confirmed the closure, saying cultural and humanitarian cooperation would continue through the embassy "within the powers of a diplomatic mission" under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The embassy also said it would continue to prioritize humanitarian ties between Russia and Moldova, arguing that the center's work reflected public interest in Russian language and culture.
Moldova cites security concerns
The closure follows Moldova's decision to denounce the bilateral agreement governing the center's activities.
According to NewsMaker, Moldovan authorities approved the move in 2025 after repeated violations of the country's airspace by Russian drones. Moldova's Foreign Ministry formally notified Russia in December 2025 that the agreement would be terminated.
The Russian House had operated in Chișinău since 2009 under an agreement signed between the two countries in 1998.
Proposed replacement in Transnistria draws criticism
Separately, the self-proclaimed authorities in the Russian-controlled breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria have proposed opening a new Russian cultural center following the closure in Chișinău.
According to NewsMaker, Transnistria's de facto foreign minister, Vitaly Ignatyev, said the initiative would help counter what he described as attempts to limit Russia's presence.
Moldova's Bureau for Reintegration told NewsMaker that the separatist authorities have no legal authority to establish such a center. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Kiver said opening a Russian cultural center without a bilateral agreement between Moldova and Russia would have no legal basis.
Moldovan Culture Minister Cristian Jardan also criticized the former Russian House's educational activities, warning that young Moldovan citizens traveling to Russia to study could face the risk of military recruitment and deployment to the war in Ukraine.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu described the proposed center in Transnistria as another Russian provocation, saying Moscow was seeking to build influence ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections scheduled for September, according to NewsMaker.
